The Clocktower Centre in Moonee Ponds, Victoria | Arts and entertainment

The Clocktower Centre

Locality: Moonee Ponds, Victoria

Phone: +61 3 9243 9191

Address: 750 Mount Alexander Road 3039 Moonee Ponds, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.clocktowercentre.com.au

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• Performance art theatre
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• Live music venue

25.01.2022 We want to support our local performing arts community doing it tough in these difficult times. Introducing our very first Online Residency Program designed to allow local performing artists and groups an opportunity to receive financial support to produce a digital work for our online community. Closing soon! Apply today we cant wait to see what you come up with!

24.01.2022 Back with another #FlashbackFriday The Clocktower Centre has played host to dramatic performances dating back to the 1890s. This production of Our Miss Gibbs staged in 1928, in the then Essendon Town Hall by the Essendon Operatic and Choral Society had a cast of 83 on stage & 11 in the orchestra. Musical selections from this production were subsequently played on the radio. Image credit:The Clocktower archives

24.01.2022 Our next online residency project is here! Written and performed by Sam Martin and directed by Dan Graham, ‘Sam I Am’ is one man’s journey growing up gay and deaf in Australia. Watch the excerpt now!

23.01.2022 Thanks Moonee Valley Libraries for featuring our Behind the Clocktower video in recent "Things to do Thursday" post on the MV Family & Local History blog. If youre interested in finding out more about Moonee Valleys interesting past this blog is worth subscribing to! Check it out: http://mooneevalleyfamilylocalhistory.blogspot.com/

23.01.2022 Bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz Heather Morris is coming to Moonee Valley Libraries! Book your spot to see her Author Talk below.

22.01.2022 Attention Moonee Valley creatives! We know how badly the effects of COVID-19 are being felt across the entire arts sector, and we want to help you to continue your vital work. Round 2 of @Moonee Valley City Councils COVID-19 Recovery Grants is open, including a newly created grant specific to Moonee Valley artists to support you to create new works or continue works that have been interrupted by the pandemic. ... There is grants of up to $2500 available for individual artists and up to $5000 available for arts organisations Jump onto the website to find out more about the criteria and how to apply: mvcc.vic.gov.au/grants

22.01.2022 #FlashbackFriday The Clocktower Centre has seen more than one Royal over the years. On Saturday 29th May 1920, the then Essendon Town Hall welcomed His Royal Highness Prince Edward, later to become King Edward VIII. He was enthusiastically welcomed by thousands of residents but was forced to request people didnt keep generously throwing apples and oranges into his open top car. At the Town Hall he thanked the Mayor for his welcoming address but admitted that he had for...gotten to bring his official reply and would have it sent over later. - The Clocktower Archives

21.01.2022 Lincoln Centers new portal enables families and communities to stay connected to performing arts with streaming programs including pop up classrooms, videos of performances - archival footage, homemade footage, documentaries and more. Explore here

21.01.2022 Art brings joy to so many people all across the world and we know how hard the arts community has been hit by the affects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thats why we have created a grant specific to Moonee Valley artists, to support them to create new works, or to continue work interrupted by the pandemic. We are offering: ... Up to $2500 for individual artists Up to $5000 for Arts organisations Visit our website to find out more about how we can support you to continue creating: https://mvcc.vic.gov.au/grants

20.01.2022 We know times are tough for many residents across Moonee Valley. Do you know someone in your neighbourhood who is making an extra effort to contribute to the local community during these times? Why not nominate them for a Neighbourhood Spirit Award, so that their efforts can be recognised?... Nominations are open year-round. Find out more and nominate someone today: http://bit.ly/mvnhoodspirit #rallymooneevalley

20.01.2022 Loving our Clocktower online residency projects so far? Good news our next one is being launched on Monday! Natalie Whalley’s ‘Stories of Lockdown’ will present a series of real-life stories from the people of Moonee Valley, during one of the world’s harshest lock downs. Find out more information on our website here: https://clocktowercentre.com.au/stories-of-lockdown/

20.01.2022 Enjoy the excerpt of ‘Sam I Am’? Be sure to join the creative team on Saturday 28th November from 7-8:30pm for a panel discussion on "Accessibility in the Arts". They will be discussing a range of topics and viewers will even be able to ask the panelists questions! Be sure to tune in!

19.01.2022 Given todays COVID-19 case numbers its as important as ever to #MaskUp. Its why next weeks Acts of Kindness workshop is mask making The free online class ...will teach you to create your own reusable cloth face mask. Suitable for both beginners and more experienced stitchers you dont even need a sewing machine to take part! Click the link to find out more and register. #rallymooneevalley

18.01.2022 Stage 4 restrictions, mandatory masks, curfews and staying inside became the new norm in Victoriabut what was it really like? Natalie Whalley’s ‘Stories of Lockdown’ shares the real-life and personal stories from people of Moonee Valley during lockdown through a series of short zoom videos. Watch it the first episode of the three-part series below

18.01.2022 Our next online residency project is coming tomorrow! Part of Midsumma Festival 2021, ‘Sam I Am’ is a one-person performance that is written and performed by Sam Martin, who shares the experiences that helped him learn to embrace his identity as a gay deaf man. Stay tuned for the excerpt tomorrow!

18.01.2022 Get excited, our Podcast Studio will be open for sessions from Monday, 30 November! We have everything you need to make your podcast a reality so be sure to book in. For more information or to book your session visit our website: https://clocktowercentre.com.au/the-podcast-studio/

17.01.2022 Just a reminder that Expressions of Interest for our Studio Residency Program close this Monday! This program allows local artists, performers or community arts organisations to receive financial support to develop a digital work. Dont miss out, apply now: clocktowercentre.com.au/online-residency-program/

16.01.2022 Ever wondered how much work goes into an opera production? Head backstage as Opera Australia chronicles how The Pearlfishers took shape

15.01.2022 #FlashbackFriday The Clocktower Centre has gone through many incarnations in its 140 year history. The building, of which the tower is now the only remaining original part, was opened in 1880 as the Essendon and Flemington Institute. Right from the start it was committed to entertaining the locals with concerts. Here is a section of the title page of the first full concert held in the Hall. The price of admission was sixpence! The principal artists were Miss Alice Rees, ...who went on to sing in New York operas and Mrs RS Smythe who had been a principal soprano since the age of 16. - From The Clocktower archives.

15.01.2022 Get involved in some of the fantastic online events and workshops on offer across Moonee Valley Council Learn more: mvcc.vic.gov.au/mvonline

14.01.2022 #FlashbackFriday The Clocktower hasnt just hosted British royals. On Tuesday 17th September 1935, the then Essendon Town Hall hosted HRH Crown Prince Taufaahau of Tonga, representing his mother Queen Slote Tupou III who was ill in Sydney. He came to address the National Methodist Conference despite the fact he was just 17 years old at the time. The Crown Prince would later become King of Tonga. The picture here is of the Prince at about this time when he was a school bo...y at Newington College in Sydney. - The Clocktower Centre archives

14.01.2022 Interested to know more about the many wonderful online programs and intiatives we have on offer across Moonee Valley? Visit: mvcc.vic.gov.au/mvonline

14.01.2022 UPDATE: Please note the production of A Migrants Son due to be held at the Clocktower Centre on Saturday 5 September is not going ahead. We will be in touch with all ticket holders soon to outline all options that may be available. If you have any questions or concerns dont hesitate to email us: [email protected]

14.01.2022 We are calling for local artists, performers and community arts organisations to apply for our first Clocktower Centre Online Residency Program! Successful recipients will receive financial support to work in a digital format, in-kind marketing and online exhibition/distribution through the Clocktowers online channels, as well as support and advice from the performing arts team. The finished product can take any digital form; from workshops, dramatic presentations and vid...eo clips to documentaries, musical performances and Zoom Choirs we look forward to seeing what our dynamic arts community can create online. Expressions of Interest close Monday 14 September. Find out more: clocktowercentre.com.au/online-residency-program/

13.01.2022 #FlashbackFriday The Clocktower Centre, in its various incarnations has been the place for hundreds of Naturalisation and Citizenship ceremonies in Moonee Ponds. As yesterday was #CitizenshipDay we thought it was only fitting to celebrate the many thousands who have become Australian citizens at the Centre. In 1956 this family became citizens under our roof. Its wonderful to think that our Hall has been the setting for such an important part of the lives of so many new A...ustralians. - Clocktower archives

13.01.2022 The Clocktower Centre is honoured to present this beautiful rendition of ‘In Flanders Fields’ by the Grace Notes Singers to commemorate Remembrance Day. Lest we forget.

12.01.2022 While the Clocktower Centre performance of Carmen has been postponed until next year, you can still get a taste of the incredible spectacle on ABC TV + iview against the backdrop of the Sydney Harbour

11.01.2022 This pandemic has been hard on everyone, but we are hearing a lot of people saying that they have learned the importance of checking in with others. Today is R ...U OK Day, the annual reminder that we need to keep talking with people around us as they navigate lifes ups and downs. We live in a very caring community, and part of that is taking the time to ask Are you OK? For more information, and to find out what to say next, check out ruok.org.au

11.01.2022 Happy #CitizenshipDay! Today is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the contribution of all Australians to our amazing nation, and to Moonee Valley.

10.01.2022 Take a virtual tour of your new Flemington Hub!

09.01.2022 The podcast studio is BACK! Whether you’re just starting out or a podcasting expert, we have all the tools you need to make your podcast a reality! Sessions are free and can be booked for up to 2 hours per day Visit our website for more information or to book your session now: https://clocktowercentre.com.au/the-podcast-studio/

08.01.2022 #FlashbackFriday Many people have contributed to making the Clocktower Centre, and before it the Essendon Town Hall, a success. One who contributed a great deal was Mr William Alexander Russell, the hallkeeper from 1915 to his death in 1935. He was instrumental in the good upkeep of the Hall and he and his family regularly decorated the walls, ceiling and stage for the elaborate Mayoral Balls. He was a tireless charity worker and had travelled widely visiting the United St...ates and had been in China during the Boxer Uprising. It is through the dedication and care of people like Mr Russell that the Centre remains an icon of Moonee Valley to this day. From the Clocktower archives

08.01.2022 #FlashbackFriday When the Queen stopped in at the Essendon Town Hall in February 1954 a seven year old girl called Anne Leonard from St Agnes Church of England Home for Girls was chosen to present Her Majesty with a bouquet of flowers. Anne was reported as being the daughter of a POW during World War Two. Were you one of the well-wishers on that day?

07.01.2022 Heres a little something to brighten your Monday! Local womens choir Grace Notes Singers are back with another beautiful virtual performance - an arrangement of the Cindy Lauper classic "True Colours" Watch here

05.01.2022 Victorian Opera presents Baby Bilby Sings, an interactive digital book designed to introduce children to the joy and wonder of opera. Perfect for little ones at home during lockdown

04.01.2022 Were back for another #FlashbackFriday The area around the Clocktower Centre has changed a great deal over the years. Here you can see the difference in view from the roof of the Essendon Town Hall looking to the North East up Pascoe Vale Road in 1918 and from a similar position in 2020 from the Clocktower Centre roof. Amazing to see the rolling farmland so close!

04.01.2022 We are in awe of these magnificent costumes from the Dame Joan Sutherland collection now on show in this stunning online exhibition from Arts Centre Melbourne

03.01.2022 Make your own mask! Happening tomorrow

02.01.2022 Calling artists and art organisations in Moonee Valley! Good news, there are art grants now on offer in the second round of COVID-19 Recovery Grants. To apply visit the link below

02.01.2022 Calling all creatives! Expressions of interest are open for our very first Online Residency Program. This is a fantastic opportunity for local artists, performers or community arts organisations to receive $1500 to develop a digital work for publishing on the Clocktower Centres website and social media! Apply here: clocktowercentre.com.au/online-residency-program/

01.01.2022 The Moonee Valley City Council COVID-19 Recovery grant round closes on Wednesday. These include grants of up to $5000 available for eligible artists and arts organisations to create new work or continue work that had to be paused due to the pandemic. If youre thinking about applying, get in quick! For more information visit: https://mvcc.vic.gov.au/grants

01.01.2022 Just a reminder for our loyal patrons that during Stage 4 restrictions, the Clocktower Centre will remain closed. We will continue to update ticket holders on the postponement of shows directly via email and social media. If you have an urgent query, please dont hesitate to get in touch with us via email on: [email protected]. Stay safe and well and we hope to be welcoming you back to the Clocktower Centre soon.

01.01.2022 Tomorrow is Remembrance Day, and we have been working with local choir Grace Notes Singers to present you a beautiful virtual experience to honor all Australians who have served their country, and their families. You can watch it as a part of Moonee Valley City Council Remembrance Ceremony from 11am, or tune into our Facebook tomorrow at 12 noon to enjoy this special moment as a stand alone performance. Lest we forget.